“I’ve been working to control my diabetes for years. My doctor tells me I now have diabetic retinopathy, and I am on a path to lose my vision”
WHAT IS DIABETIC RETINOPATHY?
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes. High blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) damages and weakens blood vessels in the retina and precedes further complications that irreversibly damage vision.
Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) is the early stage of diabetic retinopathy. Many diabetic patients have NPDR which is characterized by weakened blood vessels that lead to microaneurysms. The microaneurysms rupture and form hemorrhages within the retina and weakened blood vessels can leak and cause fluid to seep into the retina. These complications can interfere with the normal function of the macula and cause vision loss. As NPDR progresses, vessels eventually become obstructed and block off blood flow.
Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) is the more advanced stage of diabetic eye disease. Retinal cells release angiogenic signals (VEGF) to stimulate growth of new retinal blood vessels to bypass the damaged or obstructed vessels (neovascularization). The new vessels are abnormal, fragile and easily tear leading to vitreous hemorrhage and sudden vision loss.
TARCOCIMAB TEDROMER (KSI-301) FOR DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
Currently most patients with diabetic retinopathy typically wait to receive treatment until they develop a sight-threatening complication such as diabetic macular edema or proliferative diabetic retinopathy due to the onerous burden of frequent intravitreal injections with existing anti-VEGF agents. Untreated patients inevitably progress, leading to vision-threatening complications that are preventable if treated.
Our therapeutic candidate tarcocimab tedromer, currently in Phase 3 clinical development for non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), is a novel anti-VEGF biologic designed to have an extended ocular life. By extending on mechanism treatment interval, tarcocimab tedromer may relieve the high treatment burden for patients, their family members and physicians.
Tarcocimab tedromer is being developed towards a once every six-month treatment regimen, a possible gamechanger that may provide the opportunity for real prevention of vision loss among diabetic patients.